<rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">
<rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/274">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Falling Apart]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Falling Apart is a short documentary film about a woman battling dementia. Joyce Hunt, a 91-year-old resident of Wichita, Kansas, reflects on the traumatic loss of her first child, Stevie, who passed away at 10 months old. The film explores how dementia and Alzheimer&#039;s Disease complicate the process of storytelling. Its approach centers on Hunt&#039;s present reality—the memories fade, but the grief from her child&#039;s loss lingers, even 70 years later. Flashback scenes of fragmented and abstract memories illustrate the disjointed nature of Hunt&#039;s storytelling. Some tasks are repeated slowly, mimicking how Hunt navigates her grief. Falling Apart also delves into the question of identity beyond memory, emphasizing that one&#039;s sense of self persists despite the erosion of recollection. The film raises awareness about a growing, yet often overlooked, community, where history quietly slips away with no cure in sight.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Rindt, Tara]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/273">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Girlhood]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Girlhood is a visceral exploration of the collective grief, anger, and resolve many women across America experienced in the wake of the election. At its heart, the film centers on the fight for bodily autonomy, exploring how the rise of sexist rhetoric and restrictive policies threaten the rights we have fought so hard to secure. It’s a raw reflection of an ongoing struggle, as we witness an alarming rise of sexist rhetoric and increasingly restrictive policies that threaten to erase hard-won rights. Through this lens, the film delves into the dystopian undercurrents of a society that seems to be moving backward, embracing a dangerous, conservative agenda. But in the face of this escalating oppression, Girlhood also embodies a message of defiance and solidarity. It is a call to arms—reminding us that while the fight may be long and painful, we are not powerless. We stand on the shoulders of those who come before us. This film refuses to accept a future that seeks to silence, harm, or abuse us. Instead, it affirms that we will continue to rise, to resist, and to fight for the rights and voices we deserve… always forward, never back.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Reece, Allie]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/272">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Fighting Monsters]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Fighting Monsters is a documentary short film that follows the story of revenge through the lens of a seemingly ordinary setting: a go-kart track. On the surface, go-karting appears to be a fun, entertaining activity for family and friends.  However, with a closer look, this outwardly innocent space becomes a microcosm for human conflict, rivalry, and, ultimately, revenge. After <br />
an accident occurs, leaving one employee injured, the go-kart track manager rallies to seek justice for his coworker and friend.   The story is told through interviews, archival footage, and newly shot footage. The film invites the viewer to consider the lengths that society allows for seeking revenge while also pushing the viewer to decide what is or isn’t too far.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Pitts, Katy]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/271">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[IM OK]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[IM OK makes a case for pain as a necessary path to healing. It dives into heartbreak and addiction, exposing their raw intricacies and unsettling parallels. The film unpacks the modern breakup, revealing how love can mimic the highs of a drug and how the emotional withdrawal from a person can mirror the come-down of something like an MDMA trip. Through Harper’s journey, we also witness the distorted realities drugs can create, blurring the line between authentic connection and chemical illusion. As Harper navigates feelings of limerence and falls for the world around her, the film asks: is love a cascade of neurochemicals, or something deeper? I’m a storyteller driven to explore complex questions like these, drawn to the tension between beauty and discomfort. For me, visual storytelling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about truth. I believe that pain, when faced head-on, transforms. If ignored, it festers. IM OK embraces this, showing that healing often demands we sit with suffering rather than numb it. My work lives at the intersection of psychology, society, and health. Through short stories and visual media, I explore the undercurrents of human behavior, aiming to create art that resonates deeply and sparks reflection. I see art as a bridge—connecting people, ideas, and emotions—making the intangible tangible. I approach every project with care, research, and a commitment to truth, knowing that storytelling holds the power to shift perspectives and, ultimately, lives.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Moerschel, Steven]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/270">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[1917]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[In this video I aim to break down how the use of one shot cinematography affects the viewing experience and discover what it can achieve for the filmmaker. I analyze the film 1917 directed by Sam Mendes and shot by Cinematographer Roger Deakins. 1917 is a film consisting of only 34 shots, on average a 120 minute film contains around 1,250 different shots, with some reaching as high as 3,000. Despite this fact 1917 won multiple Oscars for best Achievement in Cinematography, Visual Effects and Sound Mixing. Although 1917 has 34 shots it seems like even less when you experience the film. This is one of the films that inspired me the most to pursue cinematography. At its core this video is intended to be informative and provide a detailed analysis of what 1917 was able to achieve. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Laine, Max]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/269">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Memory: Open Play]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[A three-minute formalist-style exploration of how sporadic human memory is and how image-making has a major impact on how we view events. The film explores the confusing interrelationships between memory, perception, and moment capture. I look at how the natural environment around us shapes our memories through a dreamy approach. The beautiful dance of sunlight pouring through trees, the soft flow of water, and the rustling of leaves all serve as metaphors for the transitory constantly mysterious quality of memory. The film explores how we try to capture these moments by fusing various aspects with the idea of image creation. It questions the reality of documented recollections in contrast to the adaptable state of our soul. &quot;Memory: Open Play&quot; challenges viewers to consider the meaning we ascribe to memories and how they affect our emotional ties to the past. The surreal style pushes our perception of what exactly qualifies by blurring the distinction between memory and reality. In order to get us to consider our own relationship with memory and the stories that influence our personal narratives, this piece ultimately aims to stimulate thought on the connection between <br />
thinking, seeing, and feeling. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Hickem, Latrell]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/268">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Hope Chest]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I use stop motion to transition between mixed media and formats. I am pushed to create dream-like aspects within stop motion. I create media with aspects of inspiration because media inspires me to gain new interests. SK8 DREAMZ explores consuming skateboard media to then wanting to skateboard yourself. The video follows the subject waking up from a dream to explore skateboard media through a screen which then transforms to print media. Im showcasing the process of becoming inspired through thoughts and media to participate in the action being performed in the media being consumed. I want the audience to experience going from the inspiration of the media to action and to relate to the progression themselves of consuming media to then being inspired. Through the theme of inspiration, I am showing the motivation from others to yourself from personal interest. I created SK8 DREAMZ because of my personal experience of becoming interested in skateboarding.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Franck, Lily]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/267">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[SK8 DREAMZ]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I use stop motion to transition between mixed media and formats. I am pushed to create dream-like aspects within stop motion. I create media with aspects of inspiration because media inspires me to gain new interests. SK8 DREAMZ explores consuming skateboard media to then wanting to skateboard yourself. The video follows the subject waking up from a dream to explore skateboard media through a screen which then transforms to print media. Im showcasing the process of becoming inspired through thoughts and media to participate in the action being performed in the media being consumed. I want the audience to experience going from the inspiration of the media to action and to relate to the progression themselves of consuming media to then being inspired. Through the theme of inspiration, I am showing the motivation from others to yourself from personal interest. I created SK8 DREAMZ because of my personal experience of becoming interested in skateboarding.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Enrooth, Ethan]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/266">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Misouri Import]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[It takes a tadpole between eight and twelve weeks to grow legs, lose its tail, and toughen its skin. I&#039;m twenty-one and still haven&#039;t grown my spine. Thank God we both have my parents&#039; backyard. This piece is about family, stewardship, and toads.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Eaton, Sophia]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/265">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[In Wake]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I grew up influenced by conservative ideology. These ideas brought me peace of mind and sparked intellectual curiosity at a time where I questioned my self worth and mental capabilities. I found solace in the lack of change. Given time, I began to understand how harmful these ideas are – especially to people who don’t look like me. For the past ten years, hate has been given a megaphone - and has become normalized. As an artist, I try to understand other’s experiences and channel them in my work to trigger critical thinking processes regarding sociopolitical issues in my audience. I was led to further investigate the world around me - specifically through the lens of the body as a canvas for expression - by John Galliano’s 2024 Maison Margiela Artisanal Collection, which transitions between artistic mediums to express the psychology of experiencing a world that restricts and codifies yet is the breeding grounds for the realization of inner beauty. This led to “In Wake”, a video investigating the inner turmoil accompanying dehumanization in the experience of oppressed groups in the United States. Models are utilized in a dramatic rendering of America that portrays its consistent efforts to cast out minorities as part of a group rather than being recognized for their unique selves. “To persist in stride while forced to bear darkness, as each step is cast by the long shadow of death.”]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Baugh, Mason]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/264">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Hidden Meanings]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Digging through boxes of memories, I ran across old CD’s from my Papa. Many include typical depictions of suburban life, like birthdays and family vacation, yet one catches my attention. A singular disc at the bottom of the box. I certainly do not think that he meant to leave it, but it reveals hidden ties across generations. In “Hidden Meanings” I explore the relationship of my papa, a private yet present force in my life. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Bailey, Ariana]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/263">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[An Unexpected Find]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I’ve always been interested in mixing real life footage with visual effects. For a long time fiction was something that people could only ever write, draw, and imagine, but video and visual effects finally allow us to experience fiction in action as if it was right in front of us. I am a big fan of films that utilize believable and extensive visual effects such as Star Wars or Marvel films. In my own work I try and mirror this sentiment as seen in my submission, “An Unexpected Find”. I’ve always wanted to know how they made lightsaber effects in Star Wars films so when I had the opportunity to submit a video with a flexible prompt to one of my classes, I decided to take it. Learning how the effect works, tracking the shot frame by frame, and editing everything together certainly took a while. But once I finished I couldn’t be happier with what I had. Thank you and I hope you enjoy watching it just as much as I enjoyed making it!]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Almashharawi, Amr]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/262">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Womans Best Friend]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[The phrase “a dog is man&#039;s best friend” is often used to describe the connection between mankind and dogs. However, one household pet has been associated with femininity through literature and witch hunts. That is of course, the house cat.  <br />
Cats have been friends of women for centuries. From catching mice, to keeping children busy, to of course companionship. But in more recent times they have been studied as a form of stress relief and treatment for mental illness. Studies have shown that petting a cat for 10 minutes can decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, that you produce. They also provide a social outlet and a routine which is helpful for those struggling with depression. <br />
The body has a base of a mannequin with hand sculpted foam elements, it is dismembered to show the feeling of dissociation. It is covered in preserved sheet moss and hand selected and painted dried products represent parts of you dying and returning to earth. The florals on and surrounding the torso are inspired by the Flemish period of design. Flemish floral design is very lavish but imperfect, it appreciates the imperfections of florals just as we need to appreciate imperfections in ourselves. The moss cat in the center of the torso is covered in hand picked and dried florals. The placement of the florals symbolizes the cat bringing back life to her. This project is dedicated to my cat Cassy, who helps bring me back to life when I am in pieces.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Claunch, Anna]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/261">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Mental Fizz]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Mental Fizz is an R&amp;B album by the fictitious artist JYNI. Through a blend of soulful lyrics and vivid storytelling, the album invites listeners into JYNI&#039;s most treasured memories and whimsical daydreams, each song reflecting peaceful contentment with life’s simplest moments. With Mental Fizz, JYNI hopes to inspire listeners to slow down and let their minds drift into a space of relaxed reflection—where thoughts bubble and unwind, creating their own &quot;mental fizz.&quot; In line with JYNI&#039;s vision to create an engaging experience for fans, Mental Fizz has been crafted as an interactive journey akin to a coloring book. Each album comes with crayons and a variety of coloring materials, including lyric books, photocards, posters, and pop-up CD envelopes. Listeners are encouraged to relax, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of Mental Fizz while personalizing their own album. Through this creative collaboration, each fan becomes a co-creator, transforming their copy into a unique, one-of-a-kind keepsake that captures the essence of their personal experience with JYNI’s music. By prioritizing creativity and self-expression over manufactured exclusivity, Mental Fizz seeks personalization in music collectibles and pushes back against the materialistic and capitalistic intent often <br />
seen in the industry. Rather than chasing limited editions or pristine, untouched items, JYNI invites fans to embrace imperfection, interaction, and playfulness—turning the album into a canvas for memory-making rather than a product for display or resale. This philosophy reinforces the album&#039;s core message: that joy can be found in simple moments of connection, curiosity, and creative freedom.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Gobble, Jordyn]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/260">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Stepping Stones]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[The pursuit of knowledge is the highest ideal. Living out this ideal, I, Chris Dixon, am pursuing a degree in costume design. This past fall, I took the Theatrical Pattern Making course. My final project was to construct a half-scale, capsule wardrobe drafting the patterns from scratch.  My grandmother was the epitome of the pursuit of knowledge. During her lifetime she studied to become a seamstress, mastered how to run a laundromat, and she did all of that while learning how to cook and take care of her family. I chose to base my project o her era, the 1950s. To accomplish that I designed my wardrobe on a 50s silhouette and used references to ensure accuracy. I also chose to use cotton broadcloth for pieces that needed structure, and peach skin for pieces that needed to drape. With this project I want to encourage viewers to harness the energy of my grandmother and the many others like her in the 50s. Learn more skills, when possible, it could lead to the discovery of a new passion as it did for me. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Dixon, Chris]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/259">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Etheral Essence]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[Ethereal Essence explores the theme of Black beauty in nature intertwining Black identity with a serene connection to natural flora. This work seeks to reimagine the relationship between Black expression and natural spaces and capture the beauty of people in a state of peace and confidence. This work underscores a belonging in landscapes often denied to marginalized communities. Through my work, I frame Black beauty as an intrinsic part of the natural world—organic, radiant, and harmonious. Each photograph places the subject in a setting that lets them be one with the environment which emphasizes a return to ancestral ties to the earth. I also express this with flowers, greenery, and toned lighting to represent growth and intimacy. I aim to challenge societal narratives that alienate Blackness from nature, offering instead a vision of spiritual and human connection. This series is inspired by the work of Tyler Mitchell, whose lens captures Black individuals in states of grace and serenity. As an homage and a continuation of a conversation that Mitchell has amplified: Blackness is multifaceted, deserving of representation in spaces of softness, peace, and natural wonder. By embracing these elements, my photography invites viewers to witness the sacred connection between Black beauty and the earth, cultivating a dialogue of healing and empowerment.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Woods, Kijah]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/258">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Obstructions]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[There are a few reasons why you’d put something in front of a camera: to say “no pictures!”, to obscure your face, or to stop the flash. Perhaps you’re the one taking the picture, in which case it could be in order to stop a glare, to stop the sun or a streetlamp from throwing off your meter reading, or maybe to break the visual hierarchy of the image. But why insist on pre-exposure manipulation in a time where all the same effects can be achieved ‘in post’, after you’ve taken the image? <br />
Perhaps you’re running out of time. <br />
In this project, I investigate a position I find myself in—both spatially and temporally. Born too late to have time to spare, I affirm the world via a lens, and raise the question: what is worth doing when you don’t have time to do anything?  ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Tramel, Amos]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/257">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[La Cascara]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[La Cáscara translates to shell, rind, or skin. One word carrying various identities. In this project, I explore the significance of our cáscaras-outer layers and how they connect to young Latina identities. I use the cultural significance of hair texture and color to explore the relationship between individual identity and the collective. Hair is a mode of self-expression and protection, connecting us to our roots while embodying the strength in unity.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Tiscareno, Valerie]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/256">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[In Plain Sight]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I use photography and graphic design to build surreal, immersive spaces that blur the line between reality and perception. Through grain, high contrast, and digital manipulation, I explore different forms of isolation—feeling disconnected from yourself, from a partner, from reality, or in plain sight. <br />
Some images in this series are heavily altered to heighten that sense of detachment, while one remains untouched, letting isolation speak through expression alone. I’m drawn to tension and contrast—the push and pull between what we see and what we feel. By merging photography and design, I want to create visuals that feel both real and dreamlike, familiar yet unsettling.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Stonebraker, Prim]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/255">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[This House is Not a Home]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[This project reflects my frustration with the persistent struggle for women&#039;s empowerment in the U.S., highlighted by the recent socio-political climate. Despite progress, women remain excluded from permanent positions of power, with societal backlash reinforcing regressive ideas. This series transports us to the 1950s, a time when women were confined to roles as homemakers, where the home became both their domain and their prison. Through my photographs, I explore the metaphor of the home as the patriarchy—a structure that limits autonomy and reinforces objectification. The subject, a housewife, is depicted merging with her environment, her identity obscured and diminished by the very space that defines her. This space symbolizes her entrapment, as she becomes indistinguishable from the home itself, embodying the loss of agency and selfhood. By blending realism and abstraction, the series invites viewers to consider how societal constraints on women persist, transforming historical struggles into a contemporary call for change. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Pinson, Audrey]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/254">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[The Balance Between Beauty and Destruction]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[This photography project explores the beauty and <br />
destruction found within urban decay. Inspired by James <br />
Kerwin’s work on Heritage Architecture, I aimed to <br />
capture the weathered surfaces, abandoned structures, and forgotten spaces that define the urban landscape in and around Columbia, MO. I focused on cracked walls, <br />
broken windows, and overgrown plants, as well as the <br />
intricate patterns and textures they create. Although these elements can result in captivating images, they also serve as signs of urban neglect. Through these images, I hope to reflect on the delicate balance between beauty and <br />
destruction in an urban environment.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[McGowan, Makeighless]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/253">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Portraits Through the Plate]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[My work is driven by a deep passion for studio portraiture. I invite friends into my creative space, using a 4x5 film camera to transform them into models, despite having no prior experience in front of the camera. This project aims to celebrate the beauty and authenticity of my peers, giving them a unique opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and experience something new. By putting my friends in unique and carefully considered poses, I aim to challenge both their own perceptions of themselves and the viewer’s expectations of portraiture. The goal is to create an environment where they feel comfortable exploring different aspects of themselves, whether it&#039;s trying out a new persona, embracing a side they don’t usually show, or experimenting with how they express their identity. The project is as much about the interaction and the trust between myself and my peers as it is about the final image. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to challenge the boundaries of self-perception and experiment with the visual language of portraiture, creating images that bring out the beauty in ordinary people.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Lonergan, Ryan]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/252">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Silversun Pickup]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:alternative><![CDATA[A series of photographs showing bright flickers of light. Background of musicians that are shadowed by the lights.]]></dcterms:alternative>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[I am Desmond Kisida, a photographer and filmmaker based in Columbia, MO. Rooted in my deep appreciation for storyte ling, I have an extensive background in photojournalism. In 2021, the National Scholastic Press Association recognized my photography with awards such as the Best of Show Award in Photojournalism. In 2023, works of mine from serving as a photo volunteer for the True/False Film Fest were chosen to be featured in the festival’s photography exhibition, Trial and Error. And in 2024, the University of Missouri’s Visual Art and Design Showcase featured a short film I made in its exhibition, juried by professor emeritus at the Missouri School of Journalism, Stacy Woelfel. <br />
With photography as my foundational medium, I’ve noticed a consistent integration of photography <br />
and music in my foray into film, resulting in unique and evocative short films. This interplay also informs my concert photography. When photographing Silversun Pickups at The Blue Note, I experimented with in-camera double exposures for the first time at a live show. I had previously held my phone screen’s reflection up to the lens to manipulate concert lighting in real-time, achieving a similar effect. In-camera multiple exposures alowed me to create effects like the band’s initials “SP” interacting with guitarist Brian Aubert and bassist Nikki Monninger. As one of my favorite bands, photographing Silversun Pickups was something I had been waiting to do all my life. <br />
My current long-form project folows a Mizzou freshman’s journey, culminating in a feature-length <br />
documentary on his colege experience. Across al my work, I aim to blend journalism, abstraction, <br />
and cinematic storyteling to capture the essence of human experience. ]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Kisida, Desmond]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description><rdf:Description rdf:about="https://library.missouri.edu/exhibits/items/show/251">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[ICEBOX]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:alternative><![CDATA[A series of photographs showing natural rock formations, including cave entrances, narrow crevices, and close-up views of layered stone. The images highlight rough textures, stratified surfaces, deep shadows, and shallow pools of water at the base of some openings.]]></dcterms:alternative>
    <dcterms:abstract><![CDATA[IceBox explores the cavernous terrain of the Devil’s Icebox in Columbia, MO, where a raw history is cut into the cave’s foundation. These aged stones&#039; rich textures and stoic tenacity—aspects that often get lost in the shadows—are captured in my photographs. These images portray the intricate relationship between erosion, time, and the constant effect of water that shapes underground topography. <br />
These photographs capture the sense of unearthly quiet created by the cool, humid air in the dark crevices. The rough surfaces, deep fissures, and mineral deposits that have accumulated over time are highlighted by the contrast between highlights and shadows. In addition to the rocks themselves, these images convey a tale of perseverance, change, and the hidden beauty that lies beneath the surface of this place. <br />
My work encourages viewers to take their time, examine more closely, and value the sometimes overlooked subtleties of nature. Devil&#039;s Icebox serves as a reminder of the subdued strength of nature, its mystery, and timeless beauty.]]></dcterms:abstract>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Hagan, Elianna]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[2025]]></dcterms:date>
</rdf:Description></rdf:RDF>
